Health Woes & A Funeral

» About a fortnight ago Nick Nutley, who has been groundsman here at Douai for decades, was involved in a car accident. While he was not hospitalized he is still recovering from his injuries at home. Please keep him in your prayers. The grassed areas have taken on a wilder look as a result, quite pleasing in some ways and a treat for the bees with buttercups, daisies and forget-me-nots galore.

» Over the weekend Fr Boniface took ill with what seems to have been a mini-stroke and he spent some time in Southport Hospital for treatment. It is likely that he might come back to Douai to recuperate for a few weeks. Please keep him also on your prayers.

» On 30 May Fr Abbot drive up to Ampleforth for the funeral of Abbot Timothy Wright, emeritus abbot of that community. The funeral was well attended, with representatives from his various works over the years, including from Rome. May he rest in peace.

» On 4 June Fr Finbar travelled to Quarr Abbey to join in the celebrations for Fr Luke Bell's silver jubilee of priesthood.

» Last Saturday Fr Abbot confirmed 14 boys from Winchester College in the abbey church in what has become a happy tradition. The Thursday before Frs Hugh and Gabriel went down to Winchester to hear the confessions in preparation.

» For the last few days a small group of seminarians from Allen Hall have been making their pre-diaconate retreat with us. One of them is an Old Dowegian! Ad multos annos.